Yuliia Paievska: The Resilient Medic of Ukraine’s War
A Heroine’s Journey
Yuliia Paievska, widely recognized in Ukraine for her courageous efforts as the founder of a volunteer ambulance corps known as “Taira’s Angels,” has emerged as a symbol of resilience amid the ongoing conflict in her homeland. Captured by pro-Russian forces in Mariupol during the early days of the full-scale invasion in March 2022, Paievska endured three harrowing months of captivity, where she faced torture and psychological torment. Now, she has shifted her focus from saving lives on the battlefield to healing the minds of soldiers as a military officer specializing in mental health support.
Captivity and Its Aftermath
Paievska’s ordeal began on March 16, 2022, a day marked by tragedy as a Russian airstrike on a theater in Mariupol claimed hundreds of lives. During her captivity, she experienced severe torture, which she describes as a systematic and calculated form of abuse. “It’s not just random objects there. It’s well-selected, well-prepared, well-customized equipment for torture,” she recounted in an emotional interview. Her experiences have fueled her determination to expose the realities of Russian captivity, which she refers to as her “new weapon” in the fight for justice.
A Call for Justice
In a recent interview, Paievska expressed her belief that justice must prevail, drawing parallels between the current situation in Ukraine and the aftermath of World War II. “What I see now, it’s a huge price. And that price must be reimbursed,” she stated, emphasizing the need for accountability. Her reflections on the destruction of London during the war serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. “Instead of fascist Germany, now it’s Russia,” she asserted, underscoring the urgency of stopping the aggression to minimize further suffering.
The Role of Taira’s Angels
Before her capture, Paievska filmed bodycam footage that showcased her heroism in the war zone, capturing moments of compassion as she treated both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers. This footage, smuggled out in a tampon, later appeared in the Netflix documentary “Heart of Invictus,” which follows the journey of wounded service members participating in the Invictus Games, an event founded by Prince Harry. Paievska’s dedication to her work has earned her admiration from various quarters, including Prince Harry himself, whom she regards as a peer and a source of inspiration.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Yuliia Paievska’s commitment to humanitarian work began long before the current conflict. A graphic designer by profession, she volunteered as a medic during Ukraine’s pro-EU Maidan uprising in 2013. Following the outbreak of war in the Donbas region in 2014, she founded Taira’s Angels, a volunteer ambulance corps that has been credited with saving countless lives. Her military service from 2018 to 2020 further solidified her dedication to helping others, and she has since rejoined the military to provide mental health support to soldiers.
Mental Health Support in a Time of War
In her current role, Paievska works with soldiers on the front lines, those returning from captivity, and those grappling with the psychological scars of war. “It’s very fine work, it’s like [being] a jeweler… it’s only one person-to-person therapy,” she explained. Her unique perspective as someone who has endured 12 years of conflict, including captivity and torture, allows her to connect with her patients on a profound level. “Nobody can say [to] me, ‘Hey, you, girl, who are you? You’ve seen nothing in this life.’ But I saw everything,” she asserted, highlighting the depth of her experience.
The Indomitable Spirit of Ukraine
Paievska’s story is not just one of survival; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Her recent appearance at the Indomitable Ukraine exhibition in London, organized by the National Museum of History of Ukraine in the Second World War, serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice. The exhibition features recovered war artifacts and aims to raise awareness about the impact of the conflict on Ukrainian society.
Conclusion
Yuliia Paievska’s journey from a dedicated medic to a symbol of resilience encapsulates the broader narrative of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and justice. Her experiences in captivity and her current work in mental health support highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by those affected by war. As she continues to advocate for justice and healing, Paievska remains a beacon of hope for many, embodying the strength and determination of a nation in the face of adversity.
